PS 3509 

1913 
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Copyright 1913. 

By 
Harvey M« Estes 




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By 



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As is &tX forth in the title, this little book will 
no doubt be read with pleasure by many of the 
common people. By the literary critic it wil be con- 
sidered, perhaps, more of a promise than a perform- 
ance. That this is true the author admits. There are 
a good many things to be learned about poetry and 
since the author wrote his first poem in 1907, he has 
been able to see many of his shortcomings. However, 
there are a number of people who always read the 
poems with interest and very often clip them for 
the scrap-book. To comply with the request that the 
best be published in book form, we are placing 
"Poems for the Common People" before the public. 

We trust that the indulgent reader will remem- 
ber that these selections were writen by a country 
boy, who has had few educational advantages, and 
when criticisms are to be offered, let them he made 
known to him for his improvement. To know that 
his little volume has done some good in the world; 
that it has brought a bit of sunshine into some life; 
that it has inspired greater faith in God and that 
some soul by reading it has been inspired to greater 
and nobler things, will be a source of gladness and 
maj'' encourage the author to spend an hour or so 
occasionally courting the Muses, 

HARVEY M. ESTES, 
Georgetown, Ky. 



i^. 



By Tra»sf#r '' ^ 




HARVEY M. ESTES 



P O E M S FOR THE CO M. M O N PEOPLE 



Go little book to the office and liome 
Thy message leave with meii; 

And when these lips have ceased to speak. 
Through thee I'll speak again. 



Two of the ideals of my life 

Are to be a great poet and have a good wife. 

♦♦♦ 

Playful, joyful, cheerful lays, 

Written in my boyhood days; 

Sent to those w^ho sympathize, 

With a common country boy, 

Who deems it now his greatest joy, 
To begin a hope to realize. 



P O E i\i S FOR THE CO M M ON PEOPLE 



PLOVv'ING TIME. 

O bring me out the turning plow 
And make the mould-board shine, 

And get the plow gear ready too; 
For now its plov/ing time. 

Give me, too, the faithful horse 

That walks the furrows well; 
That knows the plowman's "Gee" and "Haw" 

A horse I would not sell. 

Many a day I've watched the soil 

Turn before the plow; 
Many a rock and root I've struck — 

This job — I know just how. 

The budding trees, the growing grass 

I oft looked up to see. 
As round and round the field we went, 

This faithful team and me. 

The preparation of the soil — 

A task that pleasure brought; 
For behind the turning plow 

I labored in noble thought. 

The city life Fve tasted since, 
With all its many beauties; 

_2— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

It takes away the quiet toil. 
It gives perplexing duties. 

Though now I live the life I planned 

In happy plow-boy days, 
And meet the problems of a man 

Who seeks mankind to raise, 

I often wish for just a day ■ ' 

In which to turn the sod; 
To walk behind the turning plow 

And think the thoughts of God. •- 

DOWN IN THE 'BACKER PATCH. ' 

I don't know the reasons, 
But in rainy seasons 
It gave me joy 
When I was a boy, 

To work in the 'backer patch. 
All you must know 
Is just get your row. 

With a man to drop, " ] 

Then you must not stop 

Down in the 'backer patch. 

When the ground is wet, 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

The plants are set. 

With a great deal of speed 

But very little heed 

Down in the 'backer patch. 
For the boys you know 
All wish to show 
How fast they can set. 
When the ground Is wet^ 

Down in the 'backer patch. 

A\Tien the 'backer's a growing, 
The plowing and hoeing 
Give plenty to do; 
But there's nothing to chew 

Down in the 'backer patch. 
This fact I must tell. 
If my task is done welli 
When the 'backer worms come, 
There's working some 

Down In the 'backer patch. 

To catch a worm 
And watch him squirm 
And spit his juice, 
Before he's let loose 

Is fun in the 'backer patch. 
I'll leave it with you 
To judge if it's true, 
But I've heard it said 
__4_- 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

They'd bite off the head 

Of a worm in the 'backer patch. 

There's many a lad, 
Who experience has had, 
In hoeing and chopping 
In suckering and topping 

Down in the 'backer patch. 
Men continue to chew 
And the 'backer worm too; 
So we fodder the man 
And kill if we can 

The worm in the 'backer patch. 

It's needless to say 
We welcome the day, 
When the cutting is done 
And one by one 

The sticks leave the 'backer patch. 
We say good-bye, 
For the 'backer will dry, 
The M-orm will die 
And the farmer will sigh 

For joy over the 'backer patch. 



P OEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

IN THE CORNFIELDS OF KENTUCKY. 

The following song is one of our most valued 
selections. Perhaps the reader will appreciate this 
fact better when I tell him about my experience in 
writing it. Turning to an entry in my diary of 
February 28th, 1912, I read with pleasure the account 
lis it is given there: While on my way from the 
chapei building to the academy, in company with 
Mr. O. J. Steger, the words, "In the Cornfields of 
Kentucky," came to me with such sweetness that 
all school work and lessons left my mind. I thought 
of the hundreds of Kentucky boys, Avho belong to 
The Boys' Corn Clubs, of the farmers and how they 
toil through the summer in the corn fields and my 
own experience. Then I resolved in my mind that 1 
would pay a tribute to the Cornfields of Kentucky. 
I recited one lesson and, because the theme was 
impressed upon me so forcibly, I "cut" my other 
classes, left my books at my room, and started out 
lor a secluded place where I could write without 
being disturbed. I went out the Frankfort pike to 
the road that turns down to the old water mill and 
when I had gone out it about 250 yards I climbed 
over behind the stone fence, where the sun would 
shine on me. It was somewhat cool, but I staid 
thf-re altoat an hour and wrote the song. 



POEMS FOR THE C O M iM N P E () P L 10 

In the cornfields of Kentucky, 

In the early days of Spring, 
I iiave often turned the furrows, 

And I know the joy it brings, 

CHORUS 

In the cornfields of Kentuclvy, 

Where I've toiled for many a day; 

There are spots I'll ne'er forget. 

Dearest friends who labor yet. 

In the the cornfields of Kentucky far away. 

In the cornfields of Kentucky, 

When the summer sun shone bright, 

We would watch the growing cornfields, 
With a feeling of delight. 

In the cornfields of Kentuckj', 

Fields of rip'ning corn I've seen, 
With its silks and yellow tassels, 

And its verdant hue of green. 

In the cornfields of Kentucky, 

How I long to be again; 
With the sturdy busy farmers. 

When the corn crop's gathered in. 

The above song is published in attractive sheet 
nuisic and sells for 10c per copy. Address orders 
to Harvey M, Estes, Georgetown, Ky. 



P O E AT S FOR THE CO M M O N PEOPLE 
THE BISCUIT BOARD 

We love to think of noble deeds 

Of victories fought and won; 
Too often onr eye \Yould look so high 

Till the little things we shun. 

My thoughts go forth in sweetest lays 

That pen and poet afford, 
To the common thing of which few sing, 

To the plain old biscuit board. 

Three times a day throughout the year 
On the biscuit board is fought, 

Battles that are the greater by far 
Than many men have thought. 

For the business man who needs must think 

And they who harder toil, 
All fac the day in a better way, 

"When soda doesn't biscuit spoil. 

If I fail to notice that the woman, 

A noble part here plays, 
I'll give my pen to other men 

To write the people's lays. 

"Three cheers for the woman at the 
biscuit board," 



J^ OEMS FOR THE CO :>1 -M O xN P E O P L E 

Let kings and princes say; 
For the biscuit board as ^-ell as the sword 
lias iielped to win the day. 



THE RCLLiNG PIN 

Haying read the above poem, our friend, Mr, A. 
Liisby, thought that it would not be exactly right to 
pay such high tribute to the biscuit board and forget 
the rolling pin. So he sends us the foliowiug lines: 

The biscuit board is a treasure dear: 

For here it long has been, 
But while it's won the victory, 

So has the rolling pin. 

Wirh honor to the biscuit board, 

You most commit a sin 
To write about the biscuit board 

And slight the rolling pin. 

Now when the battle's to be fought, 
f And the dough is rolled out thin, 

You'll never find the task complete 
AYithout the rolling pin. 

So when the dough is kneaded ^vell 
~9— 



POEMS FOR THE CO M M O N PEOPLE 

And the pie crust rolled out thin, 
Upon the grand old biscuit board. 
You'll need the rolling pin. 

It will never do to part them now 
Together so long they've been. 

What could you do with the biscuit board, 
Without the rolling pin. 

♦♦♦ 

OLD GEORGETOWN 

When away from home 

In other climes, \ 

Enjoying life, '\ 

Having happy times, 
My heart oft yearns 

For a sight of home. 
Where in childhood days 

I loved to roam. 

Chorus. 

Old Georgetown, 

My native home. 
Old Georgetown; 

For thee I long. 
The far away 

On land or sea, 

—10— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

Old Georgetown 

I think of tliee. 

The schoolhouse yard, 

Where I loved to play, 
So many games 

With friends each day 
The loafing place, 

The coasting hill 
Are spots I love 

And cherish still. 

When for this town, 

With its crooks and turns. 
My heart with gladness 

Often yearns 
I think of friends 

I love so well; 
' Yes, even more 

Than tongue can tell. 

Fearing lest his lines should not find a place in 
the columns of a paper, because of his lack of repu- 
tation, the author sent a few lines to the Sadieville 
correspondent of the Georgetown News, without 
making himself known. They seem to have been 
heartily received as you will notice from the remarks 
of the correspondent. 

—11— 



1' U E M S FOR T if ECO U M ON PEOPLE 

A TRIBUTE TO SADIEVILLE 

Below are a number of verses, which were writ- 
ten by a. childhood resrdeiit of Sadieville, and which 
show liow this place is cherished and how i: vri'.l 
long be remembered by those who started on lire's 
pathway a.t this point: 

In the northern part of Scott, 

Not far from the county line. 
Stands the little town of Sadieville, 

With memories dear to this heart of mine. 

For 'tvv-as here that I was born 

And my childhood days were spent, 

Roaming oft with fond companions, 
Enjoying life to heart's content. 

Right vrell do I remember, 

The schoolhouse on the hill. 
Where I first pursued my studies 

Preparing my place in life to fill. 

When v.ith other friends, 

Hours of pleasure I would seek, 
Then we'd take a little stroll 

And go swimming in the creek. 

Words have failed me to express it. 



P (3 E .M S FOR THE C O M ]\I O N P E O P L E 

Or else to you I'd teil 
How my heart goes out in gratitude 
For that dear old public well. 

Here on many a summer day 

I my thirst would often slake, 
Then stepping back I'd watch the others, 

As they their turn would take. 

O thou town that stands majestic, 

On Eagle's classic hill, 
Long may your inhabitants be as noble 

As those that now thy dwellings fill. 

Long may thy sons admire thee, 

Long may thy daughters too. 
And ever show where e'er they be 

That their love for thee is true. 

(Washington Boostermore,) Georgetown, Ky. 

♦<♦♦ 

THE ATTACK OF McCLELLAND'S FORT 

McOIelland's Fort stood near the "Big Spring" 
in Georgetown. In recording the attack of the fort, 
one of the Kentucky histories gives it thus: "On 
the 29th of December, (1776) forty or fifty Mingo 
Indians attacked McClelland's Station, which was 

—13— 



P U E iVI S FOR THE C O M IM O N PEOPLE 

defended by twenty men. Their chief, Pluggy, was 
killed, and after several hours fighting they were 
driven off; but John McClelland, the founder of the 
station, was mortally wounded, as was one other 
man, w'hile two others were badly wounded. The 
fort was abandoned for a time, the survivors taking 
refuge at Harrodstown." 

When brave old pioneers. 

Of Kentucky's early days, 
Made through the canes and forest 

The settler's rugged ways, 
Then it was 

That the red man found 
He had an enemy 

To his hunting ground. 

He saw the timber 

Being cleared away 
And knew the scarceness 

Of his game each day; 
And often vowed 

He'd try his best 
Not to let the settler 

Drive him farther West. 

I 

'Twas in December 

That the Mingoes swore 
No pale-faced hunter 

—14— 



POEMS FOR THE CO M M O N PEOPLE 

Should trouble tliem more, 
And with weapons in hand, 

A war dance they had; 
For each brave warrior 

Was furiously mad. 

In this same month, 

On the twenty-ninth daj', 
Forty brave warriors 

Made their way 
Over hill and valley, 

Across swollen stream 
Till in the distance 

Could be seen 

The beautiful spring. 

Their camping place, 
Where often they'd rested 

After the chase. 
And eaten in peace 

Of the deer and the bear 
And drank from the fountain 

That gushed forth there. 

But nov/ they saw 

A fort near by 
On which their foe 

Would surely rely 
For the protection 

—15— 



P O E I\l S FOR THE C' O IM M ON PEOPLE 

Of their life, 
When in the war's 
Turmoil and strife. 

A\T[ien chopping wood, 

They spied a man, 
Led by Pliiggy ' \ 

The war-whoop began; • 

For this daring chief 

Did not fear ' 

And with his men 

He drew so near, i 

That John McClelland, , ' 

Behind the wall 
Could see the leader 

Men and all. 
Then turning around 

This man declared 
That if the fort 

Was ever spared, 

Each man must aim 

In such a way, 
That not a bullet 

Be lost that day 
Then said he, 

"You most remember 
That ever since 

—16— 



j^ O E M S FOR THE C O M M O N I' E O P L E 

The last of September. 

Our ammunition 

Has been so low 
That seven of our number 

Were compelled to go. 
At the risiv 

Of their lives, 
To secure us powder 

And other supplies. 

Take courage my friends 

And comrades dear, 
Though we be few, 

We need not fear; 
For the labors 

Were not amiss 
Which made a fort 

So srrong as this. 

And if twenty men, 

With bravery fight, 
Those savage Indians 

Will be put to flight 
And many of their bodies 

Will surely lie, 
L'pon the cold ground 

To bleed and die." 

_17._ 



V O E .Ai S FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 



.Meanwhile the women and children, 

In fear began to cry; 
For said they, with sobs, 

"This day we shall surely die." 
But the brave Robert Todd, 

Whose heart with love was tilled. 
Showed them a safer place 

And bade them be still. 

Scarcely had this hero 

Uttered his last word, 
Before the deadly crack 

Of rifles were plainly heard, 
And back and forth the bullets 

Went flying through the air. 
Each sent by a skillful marksman, 

Whose aim ^^as made with care. 

Two hours or more had passed 

And the firing soon must cease; 
For the men behind the fort 

Had ended the redman's peace 
They had killed the noted Mingo, 

Pluggy, the Indian chief, 
And though scarce of powder 

They felt a sure relief. 

Their hearts were greatly saddened, 
They met with great surprise, 
—18— 



1^ O E .\J S FOR THE C O iNI i\l U N P E () P L E 

^^'hen turning from the post of duty, 
This fact now faced their eyes; 

Their leader, John McClelland, 
Lay gasping for his breath 

And near him were two others, 
Wounded unto death. 

That evening- at the sunset 

A warrior's grave was made 
And in the earth so cold 

The Indian chief was laid; 
But now 'tis scarcely known 

'Tis an almost forgotten thing 
That John McClelland's foe, 

Lies hurried near the spring; 

That the town in which we live 

Had such courageous men, 
To fight its greatest foes 

And subdue them in the end. 
How can we forget 

Our city hero's nam.e, 
\Vho fought and died for Georgetown, 

And deserves a hero's fame? 

How can we neglect, 

Though busy every day, 
To stop for just a moment 

Some kind respect to pay; 

—19— 



i U K M S F O R T HE CO iVi M O N P E O P L E 

To those whose lot was cast 

Where we are pleased to dwell; 

To those, who came before us, 

And played their part so well? 

Well might every schoolboy 

Know this story true, 
And point out the grave of Pluggy 

As others were won't to do; 
For tew Kentucky towns, 

Besides this beautiful one, 
("an tell of their brave heroes 

And the daring deeds they've done. 



THE KENTUCKY OF GRANDFATHER'S DAY. 

AVhen I look at the bluegrass pastures 

And the farms in their hue of green, 
When I view the world famed horses 

As good as eye hath seen, 
I think of the past that has gone, 

Yet not so far away, 
1 think of the Past of Kentucky, 

The Kentucky of grandfather's day. 



t^ 



1 think of the pioneer days, 

With the story of the savage wild 



POEMS FOR THE CO M M O N PEOPLE 

How he fought the early settlers, 
When grandfather was a child; 

Yes, I think of the hardships suffered 
Which we shall ne'er repay, 

To the pioneers of Kentucky, 

The Kentucky of grandfather's day. 

The story is sad but true. 

Of the struggles that the "sixties" brought, 
When arrayed against each other, 

The sons of Kentucky fought; 
But thanks for the common brotherhood, 

Which we now have today, 
'Tis a tribute to Kentucky, 

The Kentucky of grandfather's day. 

May we all learn to love her 

And prize our heritage more. 
The heritage that was left us 

By our grandsires gone before, 
And welcome oft the privilege, 

Some kind respects to pay 
To the dear old state of Kentucky, 

The Kentucky of grandfather's day. 



♦♦♦ 



-21— 



i^ O E M S FOR THE C O M M O N PEG P L E 



A BACKWARD GLANCE 

Almost forgotten are the faces 

That at school I once beheld; 
But sweeter still the memories 

Of those friends I love so well. 
O that I had the pleasure 

Of meeting just once more 
The schoolmates with whom I've often played 

In those happy days of yore 

Haw many boon companions, 

Whose hopes at school were high, 
Have we watched upon life's pathway 

That now in the graveyard lie? 
How many went to search 

For fame in other climes, 
And have by departing added 

Sadness to those happy times? 

How many boon companions. 

In our childhood's happy land, 
Have we had the pleasure 

Of gripping by the hand, 
And our stories then relating, 

While we looked them in the eye, 
Of sweethearts, friends and teachers, 

111 the school days now gone by? 



-22- 



P OEMS FOR THE CO M M ON P E O P L E 



We may learn of the schooUiouse changes 

As the years come and go, 
But when we view its inmates 

Not one face we chance to know. 
If our hearts are kind and tender, 

We cannot keep from shedding tears 
When we see how great the changes 

Brought about by passing years. 

Such is often our experience 

In this common school of life. 
Oft rejoicing in its pleasures, 

Oft brought down by toil and strife 
Yet we have a M'aster Teacher, 

Who through life is always near, 
And when our lessons are hard to master. 
Speaks the needed word of cheer. 
*X**> 
WISER AND STRONGER 
All honor to the boys and girls 
Throughout this land of ours, 
Who go to school from, day to day 

And study till midnight hours 
The boys and girls whose aims are high, 

Who strive mankind to bless. 
Who strive to put out sin and ignorance 
And bring in righteousness. 

Among this throng of splendid youth 
—23— 



POEMS FOR THE CO M MON PEOPLE 

From country, town and city, 
I see a group with faces bright 

That's oft looked on with pity. 
They too have heard the upward call 

And see a brighter day, 
They are the students who go to college 

And work to pay their way. 

'Tis no disgrace to be poor, 

Though some for the laborer sigh 
Disgrace, indeed, it is to say, 

"It's not worth while to try." 
To those who mount such difficulties, 

I would a tribute pay, .. 

To the students who go to college ; 

And work to pay their way. 

Farmer, merchant, whoever you are, 

When such a one you meet, 
Making his way with expenses high 

Yet earning bread and meat; 
Employment, encouragement a band-shake pcriuiys 

A word that you might say 
Will brighten the path of a college student, 

Who works to pay his way. 

Cheer up! Cheer up! my college friends 

Your future is surely bright; 
For openings are many for efficient men, 
—24— 



P O E M S FOR THE C O IM INi O N P E O IM. E 



Wlio also love the riglit. 
Ana the day to you v.'ill surely come, 

AVlieii you'll rejoice to say, 
*'i'm glad, indeed, that I went to college. 

Though I worlved to pay my way." 



A COLLEGE STUDENT'S MUSINGS 

'T.vas on the campus among the trees, 

I seated myself to rest in ease; 

A glorious place was this to me, 

Vv'here from all my studies ray mind felt free. 

But ah! who is there that cannot predict the fate 
Of a college student in this sad state? 
\S'hiie here in ease I quietly lay, 
1 heard a voice across the v^ay. 

It came as is knov»'u by one and all, 
From a place called Rucker Hall, 
The thoughts of home came to my mind, 
And best of all a friend of mine, 

With whom I'd spent many happy hours 
In the fond enjoyments, which were ours. 
How fresh the memories of the evening drive, 
' When all of nature seemed alive; 

—25— 



P O E M S FOR T ii E C O M x\i O N PEG 1^ L E 



Vvlien on the bush sat the cardinal red 
Among the trees, which once seemed dead; 
And even the voice of the old blue jay, 
Added to the happiness of that day, 

While beautiful flov,-ers their fragrance lent 
As past the gardens we quietly went; 
Nor did the blossoms of the locust tree 
Refuse to show themselves to me. 

But above the scenery of mother earth, 
I prized much higher the joy and mirth 
Of moments spent in the evening ride. 
While sitting by my sweetheart's side. 

Before my musings were quite o'er. 
They had not the brightness as before: 
For the thought of having to part, 
At this moment nearly broke my heart. 

I rose to my feet and with an angry look 
Began to regret the step I took, 
In coming to college where work is done; 
But not so much of frolic and fun. 

I said hard things of the college rules, 
1 called the faculty a set of fools. 
The supper bell rang and luckily enough 
Before my speech became to rough. 



i^ O E i\l S FOR T HE CO U M ON F E O P L E 

Two hours hence and all I forgot; 
For at Riicker Hall I liad cast my lot, 
Witli other boys of a similar fate, 
PJut whose stor}' I will not relate. 

Suffice to say, a cure was wrought 

Eeyond anything that I had thought. 

And on the morrow, when passing by, 

A loving smile and a glance of the eye j 

Goes to prove the fact is true 

That instead of one girl I now had two. 



THE FACULTY 

H is for Baxter, so mighty and grand; 

A is for A-rmstrong, the English man. 

T) stands for Daw^es, a Baptist preacher, 

And R for Ryland, the Physics teacher, 

Professors Fogle and Ragland, with theii- foreign 

dialect. 
In this line of instructors come next; 
While Professor Rhoton, in his field hath 
All the secrets of Astronomy and Math. 
Three H's for Henry, Hinton and Hill 
Ends the list and fills the bill. 



-27- 



F O E M S FOR THE COW M O N P K O P L E 
THE BELLE OF THE BLUE 

At Georgetown College, 

Where the student strives 
To enrich the world, 

Vv'lth better lives, 
He gets new courage 

His work to do 
By the yearly appearance 

Of the Belle of the Blue, 

When the Alumni hears 

That his Alma Mater, 
Though achieving fame 

Aspires to something greater, ■ 

He longs to look 

The pages through 
And find his picture 

In the Belle of the Blue. 

How often the student, 

Who is less advanced, 
Thinks of the interests 

That will be enhanced 
By any work 

That he may do, 
When he gets on the staff 

Of the Belle of the Blue. 



-28— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

Tlie Belle of the Blue 

Will always be 
A welcome guest 

And friend to me; 
A souvenir of interest 

My whole life through, 
Will be this attractive 

Belle of the Blue. 

♦♦♦ 

The lines below were suggested by Pearl, my sis- 
ter-in-law, while she was cooking supper. She look- 
ed at the coffee and remarked that it was as black 
as lye. 

I believe, 

If I should try, 
I could make my coffee 
As black as lye. 

You must agree 

That I'm not wrong; 
If coffee is black. 

It's also strong. 

Good or bad, 

What do I care; 
For some one else 

Can drink my share. 
—29— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

Jake Dunn Jr., a colored man, told me, while I 
was shucking corn in the field with him, that he had 
shucked corn when the shocks had to he prized op- 
en with a rail, because they were so badly frozen. 
In a jovial manner I composed the following and re- 
cited it to him there in the cornfield. 

You'll have to watch Jake, 
When there's nothing at stake; 
For he'll tell some "whacks" 
That are cracker jacks. 

And try to make 
A booger-boo 
Just to see 
What you will do. 

If I had my way 
With a man like that, 
I'd shake him up 
Like a dog shakes a rat; 

I'd make him halloo 
And I'd m.ake him squeal, 
Then turn him loose 
In this cornfield. 

And make him shuck 
Till his hands got sore 
—30— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

And then lie wouldn't tell 
Such whacks any more. 

♦><♦♦♦♦ 

OLD BEN AND JACK 

Old Ben and Jack 

Are two good dogs 

That belong to the Estes family. 
Old Ben hunts birds 

And Jack drives hogs 

All for the Estes family. 

When we hunt the hare, 
Both dogs are there, 
To hunt for the Estes family. 

We feed them well 

I'm glad to tell 

To the honor of the Estes family. 

When Fm home again, 
I hope old Ben 

Will be with the Estes family. 
As for Jack I'll say, 
"He'll surely stay 

Till death with the Estes family." 

♦♦♦ 

—31— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 
THE FISHING TRIP 

Who's that digging in the garden, 

With the grubbing hoe and spade? 

It's not time for other planting 
And the lettuce bed is made. 

6, I see, it's George and Willie, J 

Digging worms for fishing bait, 

Mother I would tarry longer, 
But to fish I cannot wait. 

City life is very tempting, 

But when to the farm I go, 
All it's customs I leave behind me 

And my boyish ways I show. 

Now my pole and line are ready 
And the worm is on the hook; 

If good luck I'd have in fishing 
At my cork now I must look. 

While I sit with patience waiting. 

To catch a perch, a "craw" or shad, 

My mind goes back o'er all my childhood 
To the happy days I've had. 

Novv^ my fishing trip is ended; 

Three small perch I've caught today; 
—32— 



^ P O E M S FOR THE C O M !>! O N PEOPLE 

But my childliood I've lived over 
JusL wliile fishing in this way. 



THE PET BIRD 

The following poem and comment is given just 
as it was published in the Georgetown News, October 
22, 1912: 

Among the productions that represent my first 
efforts at writing poetry are a few verses written 
for M/ay and Elizabeth Heberling, two little girls who 
live on South Hamilton. We were neighbors at that 
time and they often came to see me, bringing flow- 
ers or other presents, which they bestowed with such 
cheerfulness and assurance of welcome that sorrow 
and cares had to take their flight to make room for 
the joy and gladness that came into my life. 

While I sat on the porch one evening studying 
my lessons, these little girls came over to see me, 
but they had not that cheerfulness to which I had 
become accustomed. It was evident that something 
had gone wrong. They showed we their pet bird that 
had died and all was clear to me. The sympathy of 
m.y ov/n heart went out for them. This I tried to 
express in the following poem, which I give by spec- 
ial request: 



t- O E Ai S FOR THE C O M INi O N PEOPLE 

'Twas on a pleasant evening, 

Wliile I sat on the porcli and read, 

Tliat two little girls came to me grieving 
Because tlieir little bird was dead. 

They told me hov,' at evening 

Their little pet had died 
And I their sorrow seeing 

To give them some comfort tried. 

I told them men and living birds 

Have all to pass away 
That life wath ail the joy it brings 

Is as fleeting as a day. 

I bade them have cheer 

Since another bird they'd get 
But 'twas then I saw hovv^ dearly 

They loved their little pet. 

We. who do not sympathize 

With those of younger years, 

Should also realize 

We've had our grief and tears. 

And so to you my little friends, 

I send my vvords of cheer. 
Because a helping hand I lend 

To those in trouble here. 
—34— 



POEMS FOR THE C O I\I ^^l O N P E O P L E 
THE FATE OF THE TITANIC 

Our hearts were filled with wonder, 

When we chanced to see, 
Described in many a paper 

That monster of the sea. 
Vie read of its great length 

Its height into the air 
And knew that none other 

Could with it compare. 

Our hearts were filled with eagerness 

To read about the trip 
Made across the ocean 

By sucTi a mighty ship. 
But when with little patience 

For news we chanced to wait, 
How much cur hearts were saddened 

To learn "Titanic's" fate. 

Our hearts are filled with sympathy 

For those to whom it gave 
Such unexpected grief 

For friends in a watery grave 
May the wise and loving Pilot, 

Who o'er life has all control 
Send the Spirit's wireless message 

For the comfort of each soul. 



P O E ]M S FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 



REMEMBER THE MAINE 

Tills poem was written after tlie raising of the 
Battlesli -v Maine. 

Come all ye noble patroits 

Of this our own fair land, 
And let us together reason 

About a matter now in hand. 
Does it to you seem good, ,| 

Or do you believe like me, 
That the battleship Maine 

Should not sink beneath the sea? 

I have looked upon the graves 

Of long departed friends 
And experienced the tender feelings, 

Which such action always lends; 
But far above these feelings 

And farther on still yet, 
The things for which they lived and died 

I'll surely ne'er forget. 

Remember the Maine, our battleship; 

I heard the school boy cry; 
But will he think of it 'neath the sea 

Or see it with the eye. 
Must we together say, 

"Go forth thou craft of wondrous fame, 
—36— 



P O E M S FOR T n S C^ O iVl M O N PEOPLE 

VV/here no eye shall look thee o'er 

And there perish with thee 
The names of the crew you bore." 

Come teach me a better way 

To keep my memory clear, 
If after seeing, I forget the ship 

That now I hold so dear. 
For once I have the pleasure 

Of seeing with the eye 
The memories of crew and craft 

Will linger till I die. 



Listen to the message that I bring, 

In words that in my heart doth ring; 

Loving kindness of a young maiden so fair 

Like the kindness of our Lord over there 

Into some soul a message may bring 

And cause them to say with a heart that is true, 

"iNow point me to Jesus who reconciled you." 

Christ is the one who this work hath wrought 
On this soul that he hath bought; 
Christ is the one who salvation gives 
He preserves our lives each day that we live. 
Remember then what he has done 
And carry his message to some one 

—37— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 
f^Gw in darkness and the power of sin. 

♦♦♦ 
FORGETTING. 

When the greatest of earth's teachers, 

Spoke of the sparrow small, 
He made mention of its value 

To Him who rules over all; 
And said that our Heavenly Father, 

Whose blessings we all must get, 
Al\rhen he looked upon His creatures, 

The sparrow would ne'er forget. 

Methinks, when I consider man, 

With all his wondrous powers. 
Placed above all other creatures 

In this great world of ours, 
With all his pov/ers to think and reason, 

To smell and hear and see; 
'Tis hard, so hard to know just why 

Some things should forgotten be. 

How oft a kind and loving mother, 

A father filled with care, 
Have worked hard for sons and daughters 

To give a blessing rare; 
Then late in life, when greatest needs 
—38— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

And problems hard are met 
Tliey themselves are oft neglected 
For children oft forget. 

Indeed, it is deplorable 

But what of our heavenly Father's 

To forget a mother's love; 

Shown from His home above? 
Is not this the saddest fact 

That we in life do face? 
A soul now trusting in its God 

Then doubting in His grace. 



THE SPRING. 

Again I come to the spring 

That to drink I can scarce get enough, 
Whose water is so cool and so fresh 

That runs from the edge of the bluff, 

How often on hot summer days. 

When I was only a youth, 
Have I quenched my thirst at this fountain — 

Then communed with the God of all truth. 

Oh the value of the sweet meditation 
That I had as I sat by the spring; 
—39— 



P O E M S FOR T HE COMMON PEOPLE 

My thoughts turned to God and the future 

Yes, thoughts of what the future would bring 

Yea, my troubles to God I would carry, 

My plans I took to Him too; 
And there I prayed by the spring: 

"Father show me what I should do." 

The God of all truth has guided 

My erring feet to this da>. 
And as I come again to the spring, 

With faith in His care I must say: 

"In all thy ways acknowledge God 

And he will be to you, 
Peace and comfort in this life , 

When nothing else will do." 



I stand upon the burying ground, 
In which two friends are laid; 

Though time hath made acquaintance short. 
The best of friends were made. 

The first to hear the call of death 

I as a teacher knew. 
We worked and studied with each other, 

We walked together too. 
—40— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

While at the organ, the teacher sat 

One evening after school. 
He sang and played a favorite hymn 

And enjoyed the air so cool. 

"Jesus lover of my soul, 

iLet me to Thy bosom fly," 
Were the words that the teacher uttered 

And then took sick to die. 

The other a girl of fifteen years, 

A noble spirit had; 
Her life was a benediction. 

Her death was very sad. 

Two months or more I company kept, 

With this young girl so true; 
A nobler type of womanhood, 

I confess, I never knew. 

Now as I leave the burrying ground. 
In which my friends are laid. 

There's hope to meet them once again; 
For peace with Christ is made. 



—41- 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 
KNOCKING ON THE DOORS 

Behold, I go knocking on the doors. 

It's morals I wish to try; 
I go calling from door to door 

To see if folks will lie. 

I call at a home where plain folks live, 
The children come to the door. 

I wish to talk to the head of the house, 
But I talk to many more. 

I hid them adieu, and again I stop. 
This time at a home of wealth. 

I wish to speak to the "lady of the house," 
But the cook says she has no health. 

All the morning I keep knocking, 

And the negroes answer the calls. 

It's surprising to me such a sight to see; 
The negroes have charge of the halls. 

The answer to queries ahout the "head of the 
house" 

Are surprising and hard to believe; 
But I give a few that you may see 

And thus your conscience relieve. 

"She's sick," "she's away," "it's such a bad day 
—42^ 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

She cannot come to the door,' 

"She's lying down and cannot come," 

And besides these many more. 

The truth's the truth the world around; 

With the lie it's just the same; 
But some wish to avoid the plainest things 

And call it another name. 

There is an ear that heareth ail, 

To listen it is nigh; 
So when you say, "tell them I'm away," 

Remember it's a lie. 

♦♦♦ 

TIME AND SPACE 

There met my eye from the monntgin high 

The scenes of the valley below. 
'Twas a pleasure to me, such a picture to see 

The lessons that from it grow. 

The sun shone bright and the morning light. 

Made darkness cease to be; 
But thoughts of fear and hope and cheer. 

All came that day to me. 

The scenes of earth all have their birth, 
—43— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

With us in babyhood; 
Like the growing grass our years soon pass 
And life's not understood. 

The moments fly and for the eye 

Changes oft take place. 
And these may tell, if we listen well, 

The limits of time and space. 

Time and space, when we run the race. 

Of life upon this earth. 
Make some rejoice, till it seems their voice 

Is always filled with mirth. 

But others some, when once they come 

To these limits Grod doth place. 
Complain of their lot, forgetting all they've got, 

Are things of time and space. 

Now time and space we all must face 

And accept their limitations; 
But soon we'll see what it is to be 

A soul of a new creation. 

♦♦♦ 

With the coming of the night shades. 

Comes a shadow o'er my soul. 
Yea, it comes when unexpected, 
—44— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 



When of better things I've told. 

For 'twas only yesterday 

That I vowed, if I could, 
I'd teil my readers how that all things 

Wiorked together for the good. 

At noon a message I wrote to others, 
Telling them they ought to see. 

The silver lining of dark clouds, 

But now that message applies to me. 

Lord, let my faith remain unshaken; 
Let me say, "Thy will be done." 
Oft this promise I have trusted, 
Shall I then this instance shun? 

Sadly I confess it's hard 

My heavenly Father's ways to see; 
"But His eye is on the sparrow 

And I shall not forgotten be." 

♦♦♦ 

THE BUNCH OF DAISES TWO 

I began this poem while sitting in a coach at 
Lawrenceburg, Ky., waiting for the train to leave. 
Looking down, I noticed the two daises that I had 

—45— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

found in a country grave-yard that morning and 
then, wishing I was in Georgetown, the contents 
of the poem were thus suggested to me. 

The train was running backward. 

On which I was to ride. 
To a town in old Kentucky, 

Where my sweetheart did reside; 
And while looking out the window, 

New scenes now met my view, 
But for less were they in beauty 

Than the bunch of daises. 

I plucked them in the graveyard. 

Because of beauty rare. 
And they brought back sweetest memories, 

While I was standing there; 
Yes thoughts of future days 

Came also then to me. 
With sorrow, joy and gladness 

And a friend to share with me. 

The daises now are withered 

Their beauty has passed away. 
But they served a heavenly mission 

On that bright summer day. 
And to take a lesson from them . 

I hope that all life through, J 

Two souls may scatter sunshine, 

As the bunch of daises, two. 
—46— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 
COURTING IN THE COUNTRY 

He hitched tip his horse 
To the rubber tire new, 

And went for a drive 

As the other boys do, 

When courting in the country. 

Many roads he drove o'er, 
With his fancy turn-out; 

Many maidens he saw 
As he froliced about^ 
While courting in the country. 

'Tis an awful hard thing 
A girl to find. 

And still harder to say, i 

"I know she is mine," 
When courting in the country. 

He found a young maiden 
Of such beauty* rare. 

That he "cut out" at once 
All other callers there. 
Where he courted in the country. 

Now custom demands 

Two calls a week* 
When courting in the country^ 
But what did he care. 

If his bride he should meet, 
—47— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

While courting in tlie country. 
His calls were made 

With great regularity. 
And she often shared 

Of his unexcelled charity, 

V/hile he courted in the country. 

"All thing go well, 

I've nothing to fear; 
That my bride I've won 

Is now very clear, 

Though I'm courting in the country." 
And all was well 

In his own eyes. 
Till one Sunday evening 

He met with surprise. 

While courting in the country. 

A handsome young man. 

From a near by town. 
With a new auto 

Was speeding around, 

Where he courted in the country. 
The car and the driver 

Caught the maiden's eye, 
And it's the only reason, 

That he gives why 

He's courting no more in the country. 
♦><♦♦> 
—48— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

Winter speaks of sleeping nature. 
Spring of life again renewed. 

Summer gives us growth and beauty 
Autumn leaves us clothes and food. 

So the seasons each a story, 

Bring to all who listen well; 
But in writing I grow narrow, 

As I to one a story tell. \ 

*Twas in the month of October, 

Five long years and more ago 
That I first with pen and paper 

And a heart with love aglow 

Set to work to make a rhyme. 
Though poor, indeed, I wrote some lines 

That to a friend expressed 
All my heart's fond affections 

For the one to whom addressed, 

As I wrote at that time. 
Time has left so many changes; 

Poems oft I've written since. 
Time has made life's outlook differ; 

That persons loves another, hence 

I love you. 
Time will bring its changes yet; 

We know not what the future holds; 
Friends may fail us, yes the best; 

But till all this life unfolds 

I'll be true. 

—49— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

On the morning of November 13, 191! I re- 
ceived a letter from mother and in it she sent a piv- 
ture of Lillian and Donal. This. I was, indeed, glad to 
receive. So glad was I that I sat down and expressed 
my feeling in this little poem. 

A letter much expected came 

Came in this morning's mail, 
And at a glance I noticed 

A picture with joy nailed. 

'Twas my little sister, Lillian 

And Donal, my youngest brother, ' , 

Whose faces I saw again 

As they stood beside each other. 

The smile on Lillian's face 

Called forth the thoughts of home 

And the memories of that dear old place, 
Where in childhood I loved to roam. 

How much such things are cherished, 
Since they give pleasure in many ways 

And bring back ere they perish 
The memories of former d?>vs. 

Your likeness now I behold 

But ere many days have gone, 

I'll spend vacation with you 

In the enjoyments of home. 

—50— 



I* O ii. M S FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 



This poem was written about tlie first of No- 
vember 1911, while I was thinking of the friends and 
loved ones at home. 

I think of friends now far away 

That I've not seen for many a day, 

Of father, mother, sister and brothers, 

Whom I love on earth above all others. 

Kow dear, the memories of childhood days, 

Come to my mind in sweetest lays; 

Memories so fond and tender yet, 

Though far away I'll ne'er forget. 

How I romped and played from night till morn 

At the dear old homstead where I was born. 

The orchard furnished the apple, grape and cherry; 

'Tvvas a father's love to make me merry. 
A ride and a wreck, with four horses so brave * 
Left a scar on my head that I'll carry to the grave. 
The story of the old schoolhcuse and many school 

•mates 
Is one that we all must sadly relate. 
Seven years in their swiftness soon rolled around 
After we moved to our home near a small country 

town. 
'Twas here a change in my life took place, 
And God came to save me by His grace; 
'Twas here I left with a sorrowing heart, 
A new career in my life to start. 
Today, as I think of God's care in the past, 

—51— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

My faitli is increased in His care to the last. 

And He who lias been my help and stay 

Yviii keep me in the narrow way 

Til] life with all it's cares is gone 

And I meet with loved ones in that better home, 

Vv'liere together we shall be 

Througliout an endless eternity. 

* The four horses referred to above were my 
three older brothers and a cousin. They were pull- 
ir.g a small cart on which I was riding and as a 
QJick turn was made before the rock door-step the 
( iirt upset, with the results mentioned in the poem. 

♦:♦♦:♦♦;♦ 

WHERE IS MOTHER? 

Brother, brother, where is mother? 
Is she at home tonight? 

I'm tired of my dolls and other toys; 
I've played with other girls and boys; 
I've had my troubles and my joys, 
And now it's mother, for not other 
Can take her place tonight. 

Sister, dear, she is not here; 
She's now a suffragette, 

She's gone her place in the club to fill; 
—52— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

She's gone to discuss the income bill; 
She's gone her place in the race to fill; 
She's entered the fight for a woman's right; 
She's now a suffragette. 

Brother, brother, please call mother, 
I'm tired as I can be; 

Let papa go to the poles and vote; 
Let papa sign the check and note; 
Can't papa plan and work promote? 
Brother, brother, please call mother; 
It's mother I want to see. 

Sister, on't cry, now came reply. 
The nurse will care for you; 

The nurse will see that your pet is fed; 
The nurse will fix your little bed; 
The nurse will hear when your prayers are 
said; 
She, too, will lay your shoes away; 
The nurse will care for you. 

The nurse will do what I want her to, 
But she can't take mother's place. 

It's mother's kiss that heals the bruise; 
It's mother I want to care for my shoes; 
It's mother that loves to hear the news, 
Wlien by my bed, my prayers are said; 
She can't take mother's place. 
—53— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPL 

O brother Lee, won't you love me. 
While mother's gone away. 

I think the nurse is very kind; 
She'll do to care for the sick and blind. 
But there isn't a hiifse that you can fiiid. 
Can give my mother's good-night kiss. 
O how her cheering words I miss. 
Now brother Lee, won't you love ine, 
While mother's gone away. 

********* 

My first effort at hymn writing: 

My sins, O Lord, I have seen; 

Thy justice by Thy Word is made known, 
Biit Jesus in love caine tp me 

And fear with sorrow has flown. 

Chorus 

Lord Jesus, my life 'Thou hast bought; 

O make me a blessing to men; 
Thy Spirit in prayer have I sought 

That souls to Thy cross I might win. 

Help me by Thy Word to declare 

That the sinner is by justice condemned 

That God in His love did not spare 

His Son though He dearly loved Him. 
—54— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

In shame, my weakness I plead 

Man's sin and Thy love to proclaim; 

But grace to help in my need 

Is promised by prayer in Thy name. 

As time is fast passing away, 

And iny race of lite will be run. 

May I serv'6 Thee in love today 

And hear Thy sweet voice, "Well done." 

My first poem to be published was written about 
the death of iny uncle, Mr. Charles M. Adams, and 
published in the Central Record. 

I 
The Angel dt Death 

Came to our home, 

And in our sadness 

W^e seem alone. 

A father dear. 

With tender love 
Hias from uS gon^ 

To his home above. 

Tho he is in comfort 

And we ih pain. 
In Heaven above ^ 

We'll meet dain^ s^ 



—55- 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

IN MEJVIORY OF A DEPARTED FRIEND 

O Father of wisdom, mercy and love 

who showeth goodness from above, 

Thou art great in knowledge and exceedingly wise 

To give us the blessings of these earthly ties; 

By them together we are closely bound 

In the family ties of husband and wife 

Yet in our earthly cares we oft forget 

That we must sometime depart this life. 

Teach us Father, how to bear 

The grief we have, the sorrow of heart, 

When our loved ones have passed over there, 

And we remember that we must depart. 

"We all the debt sometime must pay," 

Is the message of Thy Word. 

"God is love" may we say, 

When these words we once have heard. 

For then our thoughts are on the mansions-, 

Which our Savior has gone to prepare; 

And we think of the heavenly blessings 

That with our loved ones we shall share. 

♦♦♦ 

Lord Jesus, I may long 
For the shining paths of wrong; 
But give me strength I pray 
To keep in the narrow way. 
—56— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

Chorus 

Lord Jesus, thou are watching 

As I pursue my way; 
Lord Jesus, thou are watching 

My every deed each day. 
' Then to my prayer attend 
That this life I may amend, 

Which thou hast bought with thine own, 
precious blood. 

O how the cares and strife 
Come in upon my life 
And fain would claim the love 
I've promised Him above. 

May love in me be found 

For lost souls, who all around, 

'In darkness do abide, : 

Knowing not the Crucified. 

Blest message rec'd of Thee 
That this day is given to me 
A chance to point the sin-sick soul 
To the Shepherd of the fold. 



-57- 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

SliSt! 

Sin I Sin! Sin! 

The sinfulness of sin; 
To picture its awfulness 

Who can begin? 

Lives there a man, 
• Who cannot see 

That sin's as black 
As it can be? 

Behold father Adam 

And mother Eve, 
If this truth 

You would believe 

'Z , Behold them leaving 

X Paradise; 

Leaving peace 

For sin and strife. 

Think you, to them. 

This truth wasn't plain. 

If not, behold theni 

Once again. '-, 

Behold them now 

As father and mother, 

—58-- I 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 



Burying a son 

Murdered by a brother. 

Only two spns 

Providence gave; 
One is a murderer, 

The other in the grave. 

Sin! Sin! Sin! 

The sinfulness of sin; 
To picture its awfulness. 

Who can begin? 

♦♦♦ 

TIME AND TALENTS 

The pastor knows 
The member goes. 

And pays his money too, 
To places many 
Where not any 

Of good he hopes to do. 
But if you knew, 

The pastor's prayer 
Is made for you 

When you are there. 
Surely your time 

And money too 
—59— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

Would be used 

For the good they'd do. 



SWEET SMELLING BLOSSOMS OF THE LOCUST 

TREE 

sweet smelling blossoms of the locust tree, 

1 bid thee welcome back to me; 
For thou hast brought by thy perfume 
The hearts of men near in tune. 

Thy blossoms white that grow so high 

Are free to every passer-by. 

And thus by thy fragrance rare 

The rich and poor thy blessings sliare. 

O sweet smelling blossoms of the locust tree. 

This is the message you've brought to me 

'Tis not the bird that seldom sings , 

Nor the kind acts that are seldom done, 

But the busy hands at little things, ] 

Kind deeds and words to every one 

That make the old feel younger 

And bless the greatest number. 



—60- 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 
WHEN THE DEED IS DONE 

A thought comes to the mind of man, 

A fore-runner of the deed; 
Now thoughts are bad as well as good, 

So to your thoughts take heed. 

Murders, thefts, the basest crimes. 
Before the deeds were wrought. 

Seemed not so vile to those who gave 
Themselves the evil thought. 

But bye and bye the thought indulged, 

The deed is soon committed; 
Then sin appears and man in tears 

Would plead his sins remitted. 

A word of warning I v/ould drop; 

If evil you would shun. 
Think how you will feel and what you'll say 

When the deed is done. 

Sorrow and remorse is brought 

To all beneath the sun. 
Because we cannot see what the end will be, 

Before the deed is done. 

. When once the deed has been committed. 
The results we cannot shun; 
—61— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

So think and think what the end will be. 
Before the deed is done. 



THE WRITERS OF TODAY 

There is nothing is so new, 
With the Gentile and Jew , 

In the moral and spiritual world; 
But the man with the pen 
Has again and again 

'His thoughts thereon unfurled. 

So the man of today, 
Wiho would make his way 

Among the men of fame, 
Must the better express. 
Must clothe in new dress 

The thoughts that are the same. 

A task! 'tis true 
For me and you. 

To be distinguished so; 
But speech isn't set 
And men forget 

As the years come an go. 

A mission to the age 

—62— 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 

Had the poet and sage, 

In whicli their years were spent; 
Our duties are 
The greater by far — 

To a greater age we're sent. 

Then to our task 
The people ask 

That we shall ever be, 
And the good that's done 
And the honors won, ' i 

We'll know in eternity. 

♦>♦♦ 

■ i 

OUR NEEDS OF TODAY 

J 
I love to thing of the daring faith 

The early settlers had; j 

Of how they subdued the wilderness 
And left a land of fruitfulness I 

To make their children glad. 

Their customs too, I oft admire 
And regret that some pass by; 
"\ The old log chruch and schoolhouse too, 

In which to serve, one room would do, 
Seldom meet my eye. 



—63- 



POEMS FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE 



But my surroundings plainly tell 

That progress has had its way; 
That on my left and on my right 
Calls are made for me to fight 
^■ The problems of today. 

j 
Strong faith I need and courage too 

To obey the King's command, 
But not the kind to fell the tree; 
It's another find for ycu and me 

That's needed in our land. 

It's the liind that sees a restless age. 

Yet one in which to serve. 
The millions sit in heathen lands 
With their idols in their hands — 

To go, takes a steady nerve. 

I bid good-bye to the schoolhouse and church 

The buildings — let the churches stay; 
I look on the harvest that's now grown white 
And pray to be inspired by such a sight 
To face our needs today. 




-64— 



I 



